Don Cheadle Stars as Miles Davis in Biopic “Miles Ahead”

Don Cheadle is set to make his feature film directorial debut in the forthcoming, independently-produced Miles Davis biopic Miles Ahead. Instead of following the traditional biopic format, Cheadle’s vision for the crowd-funded project focuses upon Davis’ return to music after the five-year hiatus known as his “silent period,” as well as his tumultuous relationship with his first wife, Frances Taylor Davis. The film follows Davis in the period of time leading up to the release of his 1969 jazz-rock fusion recording In a Silent Way.

Cheadle’s love for Davis began as a child, when he discovered his parents’ copy of the celebrated trumpeter’s Porgy and Bess. The film has been a long time coming, and has been a passion project of Cheadle’s for over a decade.

“Miles Ahead” has begun shooting in Cincinati, and will also feature Ewan McGregor, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Emayatzy Corinealdi. There is currently no release date for the film.

Check out Entertainment Weekly’sFirst Look at the project for an interview with Cheadle.